Why a slow walk can be a tiring walk

When most people think about tiring out their dog, they imagine long runs, hikes, or fast-paced games of fetch. But here’s a secret every dog professional knows, sometimes the slowest walks are the most exhausting.

That’s because dogs don’t just burn energy with their legs, they burn it with their minds and noses too. A slow, sniff-filled walk can leave your dog just as satisfied (if not more so) than a brisk jog around the block.

The Power of the Nose

A dog’s sense of smell is extraordinary, up to 100,000 times more sensitive than ours. Every tree, lamppost, and patch of grass tells a story, and dogs use their noses like we use our eyes and ears.

When you allow your pup to pause and sniff, they’re not “wasting time.” They’re engaging in mental work. This kind of scent exploration is a form of enrichment that provides just as much stimulation as physical activity. A 20-minute walk filled with sniffing can often be more satisfying than an hour-long power walk where they don’t get to stop.

Mental Fatigue vs. Physical Fatigue

Think about how tired you feel after focusing hard on a puzzle, exam, or day at work. Your body may not have moved much, but your brain feels spent. Dogs experience the same thing.

A slow walk engages their brain, giving them challenges to solve with every new smell and sound. That kind of mental exercise can be even more tiring than physical exertion alone, leading to a calmer, more content dog afterward.

Why It’s Healthy to Slow Down

Too often, walks are treated like a race to get from point A to point B. But for dogs, the walk isn’t about the destination, it’s about the journey. Slowing down reduces stress, supports natural instincts, and helps build confidence, especially for shy or anxious dogs who benefit from taking in their surroundings at their own pace.

This approach is sometimes called a “sniffari” or a “sniff walk” and is a walk designed to give your dog freedom to sniff, explore, and experience the world on their own terms.

How Monterey Dog Does It

At Monterey Dog, we curate our services to each dog because every dog is unique. While some dogs truly thrive from high-energy, fact-faced walks or hikes, we also believe in the power of slow, mindful walks as a way to exercise your companion. Whether it’s strolling along Carmel Beach, wandering through the pine-scented paths of SFB Botanical Reserve, or meandering around the charming streets of Carel-by-the-Sea, we give your dog the time they need to explore.

Our walks aren’t just about exercise, they’re also about enrichment. We focus on safety, patience, and creating an experience that leaves your dog fulfilled in body and mind.

The Takeaway

A tired dog isn’t always the result of a long run. Sometimes, it’s the thoughtful, slow-paced walk that makes the biggest difference. By letting your dog sniff, explore, and engage with the world, you’re giving them the stimulation they need to stay happy and balanced.

At Monterey Dog, we specialize in walks that are more than just a trip around the block. They’re adventures tailored to your companion’s natural instincts.

Ready to give your dog a walk that truly satisfies? Book a walk or adventure with Monterey Dog and discover why slowing down can be the best way to tire your dog out.